And when the first impression isn't the one that sticks? A teaching case about the public administration bidding and contracting process

Abstract

Case context: This case explores the application of stakeholder theory within the context of public procurement. Stakeholder theory is a management approach that emphasizes the importance of addressing the interests of all groups affected by an organization’s decisions and activities. In public procurement, this perspective is crucial to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the use of public resources. Case Dilemma: The proposed dilemma invites the reader to step into the shoes of the case's protagonist and reflect on the challenges of balancing diverse and often conflicting interests among the various stakeholders involved in the procurement process. The complexity increases with the need to ensure that contracting is carried out in an effective, fair, and efficient manner. While analyzing procurement procedures, the purchasing unit coordinator uncovers a series of underlying issues. It becomes evident that stakeholders — such as requesting departments, technical teams, managers, suppliers, and end users — hold different expectations, needs, uncertainties, and frustrations, and are subject to institutional pressures. Their views on the problem diverge, revealing an environment marked by tensions, asymmetrical perceptions, communication gaps, and lack of cooperation — all compounded by the absence of updated internal guidelines. Case closure: Based on the analysis of the dilemma, the reader is expected to suggest strategies that the protagonist should adopt to address the challenges among stakeholders.